Single-Cell Migration in Complex Microenvironments: Mechanics and Signaling Dynamics

摘要: Cells are highly dynamic and mechanical automata powered by molecular motors that respond to external cues. Intracellular signaling pathways, either chemical or mechanical, can be activated spatially coordinated induce polarized cell states directional migration. Physiologically, cells navigate through complex microenvironments, typically in three-dimensional (3D) fibrillar networks. In diseases, such as metastatic cancer, they invade across physiological barriers remodel their local environments force, matrix degradation, synthesis, reorganization. Important factors dimensionality, confinement, topographical cues, stiffness, flow impact the behavior of migrating each regulate motility. Here, we review recent progress our understanding single-cell migration microenvironments.